Mortgageloan | Rates, News & Advice Since 1995

Articles by Subject

Government-Insured FHA Mortgages Rising in Popularity

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/31/2008

Although they fell from favor (and nearly off the radar) during the last real estate run-up, FHA and VA mortgage products are now grabbing powerful market share. Government-backed loans currently account for about a third of all mortgage applications in the U.S.

Spooked by the Market? Keep Thinking Long Term!

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/30/2008

It's okay to be scared. Don't let fear ruin your portfolio, though. Investors who let emotions rule their trades rarely keep a long-term focus. Despite their good intentions, they forget about investing in great businesses and reaping the benefits of their growth over the years. Instead, the stock market becomes a high-stakes poker table.

Payday Lenders making a Comeback

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/29/2008

In the aftermath of the subprime lending crisis, it seems logical that high-risk loans would be scorned by the financial community. An increase in payday lending, however, proves that this is not the case. It's also an indication that the check cashing business is here to stay.

Is there a New Housing Boom in California?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/28/2008

Housing sales in California picked up in October, prompting some to wonder if a recovery might be in the making.

Seven Ways to Improve Your Credit

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/27/2008

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of improved credit. Use these seven simple steps to improve your credit and your score. A better score gives you access to cheaper credit-a true luxury in this tight economy.

FDIC-Backed Debt Selling like Hot Cakes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/26/2008

Finally, the feds may have made a strong move to start thawing the credit markets. The FDIC's TLGP is giving financial institutions the power to raise cash by issuing low-risk debt securities.

Making the Move: Fed Attacking High Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/25/2008

The Federal Reserve and Treasury, faced with growing challenges and public outcry related to urgently needed bailout plans, are now attacking high mortgage rates. By doing so, they hope to help thaw credit markets, revive the dying real estate sector, and boost the overall economy.

Loan Modifications may only be a Bandage for Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/24/2008

Many critics-especially those who stand to lose money when mortgage restructuring occurs-say that loan modifications may only be delaying inevitable foreclosures. They argue that loan modification can mask problems temporarily, but can't make those troubles go away.

Key to Economic Recovery: Job Creation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/23/2008

President-elect Obama says he has his team working on a bold plan to create 2.5 million jobs by January 2011.

Stop the Lending--Mortgages Grinding to Halt in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/23/2008

Those who think that the credit crisis put the brakes on mortgage lending this year may be surprised to see mortgage levels deteriorate even more in 2009. Many experts expect to see the pace of both commercial and residential mortgage loan activity grow even more sluggish next year.

Subprime Mortgage Wolves Return in Sheep's Clothing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/22/2008

Former subprime masterminds are back in action, but now they're targeting FHA loans.

All Fall Down: What if Fed Rates go to Zero?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/22/2008

If the Federal Reserve keeps cutting rates until they hit zero, it might stimulate the economy by boosting the housing market. On the other hand, dropping Fed rates to zero also may put us into an even more precarious situation by driving down the prices of goods and the value of the dollar, inviting ugly economic deflation.

Foreclosure Fraud on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/21/2008

Data provided by RealtyTrac indicates that third quarter 2008 foreclosure filings numbered roughly 765,000. This spells gold for conmen who are willing to pounce on tragedy.

Obama to HUD: Be Part of the Mortgage Crisis Solution

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/21/2008

President-elect Obama would like to see a strong HUD leading the country out of the housing crisis. But is that realistic?

Want Higher CD Rates? Try Troubled Banks!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/20/2008

Cash investors can put their money in U.S. Treasuries or passbook savings accounts to earn less than 1 percent annually. Another alternative is to open a CD with a cash-poor bank, and log returns in excess of 3.5 percent.

Learning to Live with the Bear Market

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/20/2008

This current bear is rewriting the rules of investing.

Bush Offers Holiday Gift for Suffering Americans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/19/2008

Santa has come early for unemployed workers and troubled homeowners. President Bush recently signed into law an extension of unemployment benefits and a moratorium on home foreclosures. With more jobs being lost every day, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in deep trouble, will this gift last longer than the holidays?

Fed President Lacker Sees Positive Trends in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/18/2008

Virginia Federal Reserve Bank President Jeffrey Lacker has a rather positive outlook for 2009, which is actually shared by other economists. If Lacker is right about his forecast for the economy in 2009, it will be cause to celebrate.

Trendy Business Move-Becoming a Bank

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/17/2008

Financial companies are applying for bank holding company status to diversify and improve their access to cash.

Federal Reserve Slashes Rates. Will it Lower Mortgage Rates?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/17/2008

Will the Federal Reserve announcement to lower the Fed funds rate lower mortgage rates? Yes.

Federal Reserve and Bernanke Committed to do More

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/16/2008

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke continues to remind America that the Fed is dedicated to fixing the economy. But the problems are global, require cooperation from central banks worldwide, and are unprecedented in the history of the world.

Bush Cautious of Regulatory Intervention in Capitalist Economies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/16/2008

President Bush admits the need for economic reform, but emphasizes the importance of keeping capitalism alive and well.

Mortgage Rate Declines Lead to Increased Applications

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/15/2008

Demand for purchase and refinance mortgages have risen from their historic lows on the strength of lower interest rates.

Path to Economic Recovery: Made in China

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/15/2008

The Chinese economic model could save America from its debt-ridden quagmire.

Bottomless Pit? Freddie Mac Needs More Bailout Money

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/14/2008

Freddie Mac and its counterpart, Fannie Mae, were originally created in the beginning of the last century to strengthen the nation's real estate economy. Now, taxpayers are being forced to return the favor with a massive bailout of these two institutions. The economy is worsening, and Freddie Mac needs quick cash.

Budget Deficit needs to get Bigger to get Better

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/14/2008

This year, government spending is set to annihilate previous U.S. budget deficit records. Even so, the government may be under pressure to spend more, not less.

Understanding Your Mortgage Loan Modification Options

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/13/2008

The government's massive $750 billion bailout plan was supposed to include loan workout provisions. Those provisions are beginning to take shape, based on recent modified loan programs released by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and some private lenders. The big question remains: Will these efforts actually help homeowners?

Controversy Brews over FDIC Debt and Bank Guarantee Plans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/13/2008

Major banks, including Citigroup, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America, recently told the government that the FDIC program to back their bonds is not a strong enough guarantee. They want unconditional support; but the FDIC wants a more regulated and controlled bailout.

What can Obama Do to Save the Housing Market?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/12/2008

Barack Obama has some options when it comes to healing the fractured housing market.

Is Bair Barking up Wrong Housing Recovery Tree?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/12/2008

While FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair continues to push for loan modifications to save homeowners and stabilize banks, the White House seems to be turning a deaf ear to her pleas and warnings. She's been pushing banks and politicians for radical action for an entire year, to no avail.

G20 Summit Offers Hope

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/11/2008

Global leaders met to strategize on how to save the global economy from further economic damage.

False Alarm: No Credit Card Forgiveness from Uncle Sam

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/11/2008

For people drowning in credit card debt, the hope that Uncle Sam's cavalry is coming appears to have been dashed. The Treasury Department nixed any type of a debt settlement program after a roundtable meeting of banks and consumers, leaving many debt-ridden consumers out of luck.

Bailing Out the Auto Industry

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/10/2008

Where will it end? That's the question on everyone's mind as GM, Ford, and Chrysler-the big three of the U.S. auto industry-paid a visit to Washington, D.C. The companies want a piece of the government bailout, but no one is quite certain if such a move will help the ailing automakers.

Credit Unions: The Homeowner's Friend

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/10/2008

Credit unions that bypassed the mortgage meltdown are increasing their loan production as other lenders falter.

Retailers Bracing for a Very Unmerry Christmas

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/09/2008

The recession has moved from the headlines to the check-out lines. Following a major drop in consumer confidence, retail sales have dropped precipitously. Forecasts indicate that the Christmas season won't change the trend.

Layaway Plans Making a Comeback

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/09/2008

Consumers are embracing once-outdated layaway plans to help them budget for holiday shopping.

Will Your Credit Card Limits be Cut Back?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/08/2008

Consumers should be on the lookout for notices from credit card companies. They may look like junk mail, but the information inside may be anything but-it could describe the new terms of your card. With consumer credit already stretched to the max, many Americans may find that their plastic limits are shrinking, even as interest rates rise.

Upside-Down on Your Mortgage? There may be help!

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/08/2008

If you owe more on your home than it's worth-in other words, if you have negative equity or are "upside down" in your mortgage-there may still be hope for solving your problem. The options require sacrifice, but could potentially help you avoid greater financial woes.

Asking your Parents for Down Payment Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/07/2008

Lenders are raising down payment requirements, setting the stage for more parent-funded solutions.

Credit Card Companies Analyzing You, Again

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sun, 12/07/2008

The credit crunch is causing some knee-jerk reactions by credit card companies. Shaken by the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis, they're reevaluating consumer credit. Then, they're shrinking card limits and charging higher interest rates.

Reverse Mortgages are a Retirement Savior

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/06/2008

Reverse mortgages allow people who are age 62 and older to borrow against their home equity, and then get paid in regular installments by the mortgage company. Now that higher limits have been authorized for reverse mortgages, this good retirement resource just got a whole lot better.

Lessons for First Time Home Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Sat, 12/06/2008

Buying a new home is a complicated procedure. It takes patience, planning, and great timing. For a first time homebuyer, the process can be fraught with financial landmines.

Consumers Maxing Out their Home Equity

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/05/2008

It's a sign of the times: Economic data indicates that homeowners may be padding their savings accounts with money borrowed from their home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

Buying a House on Layaway

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | Fri, 12/05/2008

Homebuilders want to help you save money-so you can buy a house.

Foreclosure Moratoriums may do More Harm than Good

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/04/2008

One of the most popular foreclosure prevention programs is foreclosure moratorium. This process holds up the foreclosure process to give time to homeowners to get back on their feet. But some critics say that these intentional delays may create even more problems than they actually solve.

Hope for Homeowners Unattractive to Many

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Thu, 12/04/2008

The government's solution to the foreclosure crisis isn't drawing many takers, and new estimates say the program will fall far short of initial projections.

Obama Creating a Better TARP

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/03/2008

In early-October, lawmakers passed an historic $700 billion financial bailout bill in a mad dash to avert a global financial meltdown. But now, the Secretary of the Treasury has said that he's leaving the mess in Obama's hands.

Budget Deficit may Hinder Obama's Economic Plan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Wed, 12/03/2008

Barack Obama earned the office of the presidency on a campaign that promised sweeping change. But are his lofty goals unrealistic, given the size of the federal deficit that he'll inherit?

Great Car Deals for Stellar Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Tue, 12/02/2008

When Dickens wrote the line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," he was speaking of France prior to its revolution of 1789. The statement also applies to today's auto market, and how the car purchasing process differs based on your credit score.

Homeowners in Denial about Home Values

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/01/2008

Here's a reality check: your home is probably worth less than you think. A quarterly survey reveals that many homeowners are overly optimistic about the value of their property.

Bad Economy Removes "Ho-Ho-Ho" from Christmas Parties

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | Mon, 12/01/2008

As the holiday season rolls around, few companies seem to be in a festive mood. The bad economy has businesses tightening their purse strings, trimming off superfluous items like traditional holiday parties. Don't let the bad economy be a party-pooper. There are ways to get in the spirit without going into debt.